ZIMBABWE HAS BENEFITED A LOT FROM FOCAC

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

Unlike the dampening comments from the detractors Zimbabwe has benefited a lot from China thanks to FOCAC. Research suggests that FOCAC’s institutional mechanisms have been conducive to project implementation, with US$155 billion of the US$191 billion total promised loans between 2006 and 2021 implemented by October 2021. Zimbabwe has seen increased activities in the mining sector and agriculture all thanks to China. Despite the lack of respect of locals by some Chinese businessmen and businesswomen China has assisted Zimbabwe to an extent of deserving the All weather Friend title.
Speaking to one Chinese official in Shenzen China he said the rough treatment of African locals by chinese migrants is entirely the fault of those host countries who are not exercising their laws to the letter.
The FOCAC partnership platform between China and Africa has undergone multiple stages of evolution since its creation in 2000 and Zimbabwe has claimed a lion’s share from this union. But as the Chinese economy loses momentum, has the ever-deepening engagement between these regions reached maximum capacity? Zimbabwe’s bilateral deals with China should be clearly aligned with the country’s development goals.The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been a cornerstone of Africa-China relations since its inception in 2000. But the ninth summit in Beijing from 4 to 6 September 2024 takes place amid rising geopolitical tensions that will see China prioritise its position in relation to other world powers.
At this summit, Zimbabwe need to rethink the future direction of the partnership. If approached correctly, FOCAC could foster a new era of cooperation that is both sustainable and mutually beneficial.
The forum facilitates discussions, agreements and cooperative projects between China and African nations. It is the primary mechanism for major policy coordination, and convenes every three years. Historically, FOCAC has yielded notable financial commitments: the 2021 summit saw a US$40 billion pledge spanning infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing.
At China’s third plenum in July, the Communist Party unveiled significant market-oriented reforms. These continued President Xi Jinping’s shift from high-speed to high-quality development to ensure more sustainable and balanced economic growth – a strategy outlined since 2017.
This was reiterated in recent preparatory discussions for the ongoing FOCAC summit, signalling a focus on economic viability, local community benefits and environmental sustainability. Market-oriented reforms are also expected to accelerate the trend observed at the 2021 Dakar summit, moving from state-led initiatives to greater private sector involvement.
This year’s summit occurs in the context of growing resistance to China from a United States-led coalition. In response, China is intensifying its efforts to strengthen ties with the Global South, viewing these relationships not just as economic opportunities but as crucial elements of an emerging global political force.
Education empowerment and job creation in Africa have also been continually spotlighted at previous FOCACs. This time, China promised to invite 10,000 African nationals to workshops in China, offered African students who study in China a speedy employment path and continued the ‘Luban Workshop’ programme, aiming to create 800,000 polytechnical jobs in Africa.
Having realised that No country can sustain extraordinary growth forever, and neither can a country’s global commitments. All powers inevitably reach the point of capacity overreach. So then advantage of Zimbabwe is that we did not destroy bridges with the West when we marched East. President Mnangagwa tabulated the policy of being “A friend to all and an enemy to none”.
Already China has started to reduce the government loans to Africa and promote the loans by Chinese private sector.
The 2024 summit, themed ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’, reflects this focus. It aims to deepen China-Africa relations in a way that aligns with China’s broader geopolitical goals.
Where does this leave Africa? The continent’s economic significance to China’s growth is increasingly being matched, if not surpassed, by Africa’s geopolitical importance. Strong economic ties enable Beijing to gain African support in international forums, which can help China influence global diplomacy and security. This support is vital as Beijing attempts to reshape what it views as a skewed world order.
However, FOCAC investments – which often serve China’s geopolitical and strategic interests – can pose challenges when they don’t align with recipient countries’ needs and development priorities. China’s growing influence in African politics has raised concerns, as has the economic impact of FOCAC-funded projects.
The high debt burdens associated with these investments highlight the need for scrutiny to protect Africa’s sovereignty and financial stability. Despite shrinking deal sizes, debt sustainability remains problematic for many African nations. Since 2006, FOCAC has been the primary channel for Chinese loans to Africa, totalling US$191 billion in pledged lending from 2006-21. There are also concerns that some projects may inadvertently deepen inequalities in African countries by not adequately addressing local socio-economic needs.
As the meeting progresses Zimbabwe is all out to look for deals which are to the best interest of its people.
We have and will always trust the President navigate through these summits and come out with the best for the country.